Atletico Madrid finally sign Lanus striker Salvio

Atletico Madrid have finally completed the signing of Argentinian striker
Eduardo Salvio, the club have confirmed.

Salvio has been heavily linked with the Primera Division club and has been in
Madrid since Monday discussing the deal.

Atletico on Friday announced the 19-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal
at the Vicente Calderon.

Salvio progressed through the ranks at Lanus and his impressive form has
already earned him two caps for Argentina.

"Above all I want to thank Atletico Madrid for giving me this opportunity,''
said Salvio. "I'm starting a new stage in my sporting career and I am very happy to be
here.

"To start I hope to have a good season in these months that are left in the
competition. I'm confident that I can give a lot of joy to the Atletico people.''

Atletico beat off a host of clubs to the youngster's signature, paying Lanus a
reported 10 million euros. Club president Enrique Cerezo believes that in Salvio, who can also play as a
winger, they have secured an important player for the future.

"By signing Salvio, Atletico Madrid has got one of the great promises of South
American football,'' he said. "A talented footballer, brilliant, with a promising future ahead.

"He is only 19, but already since he was little he has proved to be a player
different to the others, destined to become one of the great footballing figures
in his country and let him now leave his mark at Atletico Madrid.

"Many teams wanted to have his services, but he decided to sign for Atletico
Madrid and make his debut in European football with the red and white shirt. Furthermore, he did it at a decisive moment, in which he is playing for the
opportunity to participate in the World Cup in South Africa and we are confident
that Salvio will not disappoint us.

"For us it is a great delight to be able to count on a young footballer of
these characteristics. A skilful player, explosive and versatile, who can play as well as a winger
as as a striker, strengthening even more our team in these two areas.''

Salvio becomes Atletico's second signing of the window - and is also likely to
be their last - following the arrival of Tiago on loan from Juventus.

With the arrival of Salvio, Atletico could be resigned to seeing his compatriot
Sergio Aguero leave at the end of the season - with the striker being heavily
courted by the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid.